Working full-time from an office is quickly falling out of fashion. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to work remotely all the time. There’s a happy middle ground known as hybrid work. This involves working remotely some of the time, but also coming into the office if you want to or are required to do so. A recent Accenture survey found that 83% of workers consider this hybrid model to be ‘optimal’ and would like to work remotely 25% to 75% of the time.
Is the hybrid model right for you, though, or would you prefer something fully remote? There are pros and cons to each option. Below are a few questions to further explain the difference between these two work models. This’ll help you decide whether you want to work in a fully-remote company or one that offers a hybrid work model.
How Much Do You Want to Travel?
A fully remote work role will give you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to traveling. Since you never have to be in the office, you can comfortably explore the world at your own pace, spending months on the other side of the world. Some remote workers will want to stay in roughly the same timezone as their colleagues, but others prefer to work at different times, making use of asynchronous communication.
For hybrid workers, the situation is a little more complicated. You might have a deal to come into work two days a week. In this case, it can be difficult to head to a new country for a few months. Still, you can take four-day city breaks without a problem. That might be enough for you. Also, you might be able to strike a new deal. Ask your boss if you can work full-time in the office for a month, in return for two months of being fully remote so that you can travel.
Every hybrid model will vary slightly. You need to consider whether your need to travel outweighs the benefits of an office environment. Even as a fully remote worker, you might still be able to enjoy in-person meetups every now and then. This can maintain a company bond while allowing staff members to travel most of the time.
Do You Appreciate Office Culture?
Many workers find that they benefit from spending some time in the office. It’s a chance to spend quality time with your colleagues and to meet your manager face-to-face. This builds up a sense of belonging and helps you build a rapport that could benefit your future career. Others, conversely, hate the office. They find it to be an unproductive environment that’s full of distractions.
Before you go fully remote, think about whether you’ll miss the office. Do you benefit from social interaction and workplace banter? Remote work can be lonely and over time, this can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Humans need social moments and much of this can be had during working hours.
Using a coworking space can be a great way to stay connected to others and continue building relationships while you work. However, this space will have new people coming and going all the time. An office can create a family bond since it’s the same faces interacting day after day. Think about which of these scenarios most appeals to you.
Cost Differences
In years gone by, there were significant costs burdening the average employee. Companies tend to be based in the city centers of developed countries, where rental costs are high. Therefore, you either have to shell out a high proportion of your income for an apartment close to the office or use it to pay for a vehicle and gas so you can commute every day. With the rise of the work from anywhere movement, these costs are removed, letting you keep a higher percentage of your paycheck.
Fully remote work has the potential to be the cheapest option. With no office to go to, you can decide exactly where you want to work from. You could be soaking in the sun in a place like Thailand, where living costs are much lower. You could sell your vehicle, cancel your rail pass, and just start working from home for free.
While a hybrid-style work model cuts out some commuting costs, it does limit you a fair amount. You’ll still need to be close enough to the office to come in when required. Therefore, you can’t exactly head to the other side of the world for several months at a time. The constant flights back and forth could quickly add up, making this a potentially expensive lifestyle.
Are You a Self-Starter?
There are different types of workers in this world. Understanding what type you are can go a long way to deciding which model of work is best for you. Being a fully remote employee can be lonely and finding the motivation to succeed is often difficult. You have to be okay taking full responsibility for your working hours and being held accountable if you don’t get everything completed within the deadlines.
People who struggle with self-motivation might prefer a hybrid model. You’ll know that you’re able to visit the office and see your colleagues and bosses in person. This can increase your desire to perform well for them, benefitting both the company and your career. You may find it easier to get your work noticed if it’s happening under the supervision of your coworkers.
For others, though, remote work is the best option. You’ll have to be someone who is highly self-motivated and able to get the work done to a high standard without too much input from others. Furthermore, you’re someone who is confident in promoting your work and making sure others are fully aware of how hard you’re working for the company, even if they’re not there to see it in person.
So, Which is Right for You?
There are pros and cons to both fully remote and hybrid work models. While many believe that the hybrid option is an optimal best-of-both-worlds scenario, this won’t be true for everyone. Others are passionate about going fully remote and having complete control over their career. For ultimate freedom, you may even consider becoming a freelancer, which you can learn more about here.
If you decide to go fully remote as a way to pursue your travel dreams, then don’t forget to find month-to-month rental properties that support working from home like Anyplace Select. All Select apartments are furnished and include a fully equipped workspace – you just need to bring your laptop and plug in.
Where to next? Find flexible month-to-month rentals across the globe on Anyplace.
